Chapter II: Link's Awakening

The Spring-time air wore an overbearing musk of flowers to it, one that pierced the morning with a vivid touch of life. The beauty of the outside world couldn't shake the darkness that rested softly behind Link's eyelids. A terrible dream of a black rider, a dark ominous sky, but a beautiful young princess as well. The fear of that man on horseback overcame Link, and he awoke in a cold sweat.

"Link!" a feminine voice called from outside "Link! Wake up lazy bones!" the voice repeated. "Hello Saria!" Link shouted as he made his way to his door. Barely dressed, he threw on his pale shirt and brown pants as he ran for the door. "Link, I have important news." Saria said softly as Link approached her. Link climbed down the ladder from his patio quickly to greet his old friend. He saw her everyday, but she always seemed to reveal something new every moment he saw her.

"What is it Saria?" Link asked puzzled. "The 2,000th birthday of the great Deku Tree is coming up…I just wanted to tell you about the celebration we will be having in a few days." Saria said as the light danced from her golden hair. The words came naturally from her lips like honey from a nest of bees. As her eyes shone a new a light upon Link she said "Although, the Deku Tree has grown infuriated as of late." "Why?" Link asked.

"He said he's been having terrible premonitions, his nights have been restless, he fears his time is coming." Saria said worriedly. "Oh." Link said. "He did however, request you see him immediately." Saria added hesitantly. "Me? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Link asked questioningly. "I was worried. Something isn't right in the forest Link, the weather has changed, the color in the flowers is changing and thorns are growing where they never have before. I feel an evil wind blowing, a dark tide is washing into our lake. Link, I feel the end may be upon us.

"I'm sure nothing bad is going to happen." Link said reassuringly "I'll go see the Great Deku Tree, he probably just wants to finally give me a fairy, you know I'm the only child in the forest without one." "You're probably right." Saria said as Link started walking away. Saria grabbed his hand and looked him deep in his eyes. "Link, be careful, the path to the Deku Tree is treacherous. Please, before you go, get a sword and shield from Mido." Saria's voice was sweet and Link could feel she fancied him as he had fancied her. Link leaned in to kiss her.

"What's this about a sword?" An arrogant voice interrupted. "I'll have you know, the Great Mido doesn't loan out his swords and shields to fairyless amateurs." Mido was a boy about 37 years old, but looked no older than 10. Time had not moved for him since he was created by the Deku Tree. In the Kokiri forest, one with a pure heart could live forever and never age, but if a man were to live there a hundred years, the journey outside the forest would kill him instantly.

"Mido, the Great Deku Tree has summoned upon Link. He needs a sword and shield to get to him." Saria told Mido with authority. "What? The Great Deku Tree summoned you?" Mido asked annoyed. "Yes, he did. Now, are you going to give him some defense or what?" Saria asked. "Well, I'm afraid I can't do that." Mido said unhopefully. "Why not?" Link asked puzzled. "Well, I kind of lost them, but, I can tell you where they might be." Mido said under his breath. "Where are they Mido?" Link asked.

"Ok, well, I was taking them to Kiroho's house because, but he was in the cave, practicing his violin, so I went into the Lost Woods to get to his cave, and I was attacked by a group of Stalchildren. They took them and, I can only imagine where they are now." Mido said as a grin came over Saria's face. "Mido, you do know where the things Stalchildren steal wind up right?" She said. "Yes, but I could not afford to buy it from the Kokiri shop." Mido said in a duh tone of voice. "I should have enough money at my house." Link said.

Link took a final look into Saria's eyes and then ran back to his house to collect the money he'd made cutting grass. As he looked under his pillow, a fairy flew in through the window and into his face, scaring the living daylight out of him. "Hello." The fairy said. "Who are you?" Link asked. "My name is Navi, I've been sent by the Great Deku Tree to ask you if you got your message from the great Saria." She replied. "Yes, I'm on my way there right now." Link said confidently.

Link ran out of his house, climbed the ladder, and ran for the Kokiri shop. When he got inside, he purchased Mido's Kokiri sword and a nice wooden shield. After Link bought the stuff Navi stopped him. "Hey! Do you know why you're being summoned upon?" She asked. "Link found himself almost growing annoyed with her, but shrugged out a "No. I think it's so I can be given a fairy." "It's a bit more complicated than that. Grab your sword and shield. I'll explain on the way." Navi assured.